West Nile Virus detected in Big Bear Lake squirrel

BIG BEAR LAKE -- Vector control officials sent extra workers to Big Bear Lake on Wednesday to trap and test mosquitoes for the West Nile Virus after a dead squirrel found earlier this month tested positive for the virus.

The gray tree squirrel is the first such animal to test positive for the virus this year in the county. It was collected near the Big Bear Mountain Golf Course on July 9 by the San Bernardino County Mosquito and Vector Control Program.

"We're going to do additional testing and additional surveillance for any sources of breeding and if so, treat them," said Josh Dugas, program manager for the San Bernardino County Vector Control District.

The division does not trap birds or squirrels to test for West Nile.

"If there are indicators of West Nile in certain areas, we shift resources to limit the breeding, which in turns limits the spread of the disease," Dugas said.

The existence of West Nile in the city is not something residents should be "extremely worried about," he said.

"West Nile is here, it's always going to be here," Dugas said. "We've done a great job of limiting the number of human cases each year. People shouldn't panic, but it's a good idea prepared."

Officials found San Bernardino County's first trace of the virus this year in Ontario from a dead bird and a mosquito sample collected on June 27. The mosquitoes were collected from traps near Campus Avenue and Riverside Drive in south Ontario.

Another eight mosquito samples taken from Ontario and Montclair tested positive for the virus in early July.

Vector control officials offer the following tips:

- Drain standing water such as puddles and swimming pools.

- At dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active, wear long sleeves and other clothing that covers skin.

- Use DEET-based insect repellants.

- Prevent entry of mosquitoes into homes through doors and windows by installing screens and screen doors, and patching up holes in existing screens.

People with questions or to report standing water may call 800-44-ABATE.